This course offers an introduction into theoretical perspectives in the social sciences, which are of relevance to the interdisciplinary field of socioeconomics. The course starts with a brief overview of different types of knowledge and knowledge production in the social sciences. The remainder of the course is divided into three parts, each of which will be concluded with an essay. 1) The first part is about the beginnings of sociology as a modern discipline, focussing on classical works in sociology and the historical context from which they arose. 2) In the second part, four theoretical paradigms that condense the plurality of perspectives in the social sciences will be introduced, systematically compared, and illustrated with theories of the 20th century (rational choice, structural functionalism, critical theory, symbolic interactionism). 3) In the last part, the diversity of social scientific approaches will be illustrated in the specific field of European and global integration, which brings international relations, transnational interaction, supranational integration, and global interdependencies to the fore.

Until further notice, this course will be taught in English in summer terms and in German in winter terms.

Students attending this class will gain orientation in the field of social scientific and socioeconomic theories and perspectives. They will be able to distinguish different theoretical approaches, identify them in the literature, and discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses. They will be able to apply different theoretical perspectives to a variety of social phenomena and problems and utilise them for the development of their own theoretical approach towards specific research questions. By engaging with the plurality and selectivity of theoretical concepts and approaches, they will develop a critical take on one-sided perspectives to explaining complex social realities.

In this course, regular attendance is mandatory and a precondition to perform well. To pass the course students have to be present for at least 80 % of the scheduled contact hours. The requirement is the same for participation on campus and participation in distance learning. It is expected that you notify the teacher by email before class (if possible) if you miss class for an important reason.

Learning activities consist in preparatory readings, teacher's input, quizzes and other small tasks in class, written group assignments (essays), and individual performance in class.

In the summer term 2021 this course will generally take place in the form of distance learning, but there is the possibility to move to a hybrid mode under certain conditions, which would allow a limited number of students to take part on campus. Whether in pure distance or in hybrid mode, the contact hours will remain as planned, and classes will take place in an electronic setting using MS Teams or else. Registered students will receive updated information on the course by email.

This course focuses on academic writing. Students have to contribute to three essays to be prepared in group work and everybody has to take responsibility for at least one of these essays. The three essays of 1200 to 1500 words are due on specific dates during the term (extensions have to be negotiated with the teacher beforehand).

In addition, there are a number of quizzes on preparatory course readings, which everybody completes on his or her own, and there may be other smaller tasks like peer assessment / self assessment, which are included in the score for active participation.

Discussions in class are another core element and individual contributions will be assessed.

Overview of components and their weights:

Essay I - 25%

Essay II - 25%

Essay III - 25%

Quizzes and other small tasks - 15%

Contributions to the discussion - 10%

Please note that essays generally yield collective scores for the group (but individual performance matters in case the student is in-between two grades at the end), whereas quizzes and other small tasks as well as contributions to the discussion will be assessed on an individual basis.

Grading scale:

≥ 60 % grade 4, ≥ 70 % grade 3, ≥ 80 % grade 2, ≥ 90 % grade 1